UNICEF Assesses Impact Of 40 Years In Sierra Leone
By Fatima Kpaka
This week marks a momentous milestone, for over 40 years of unwavering partnership between UNICEF and Sierra Leone, a journey characterized by resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the rights and well-being of every child.
Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, reflected on the organization’s long-standing mission, stating, “Since the 1980s, UNICEF’s core objective has remained unchanged: to ensure every child survives, learns, and thrives.”
He emphasized that from supporting health, nutrition, and education during the early years, to responding robustly during crises such as the civil conflict, Ebola, COVID-19, and the Mpox outbreaks, UNICEF has been at the forefront of safeguarding children’s futures. Schwenk acknowledged the current challenges, noting, “While we have made significant progress, the reduction in aid to support children calls for us to seek new opportunities and forge innovative partnerships that will sustain our efforts.”
The results of UNICEF’s sustained efforts are tangible. Schwenk highlighted that “we have seen the under-five mortality rate halved, school enrollment increase significantly, and access to clean water and social services expand across the country.” Yet, he emphasized that “challenges remain, particularly for our most vulnerable children, and our commitment must continue to be unwavering.”
Looking ahead, UNICEF’s 2025–2030 strategy aims to leverage innovation, evidence, and new partnerships to deliver impactful results. Schwenk added, “We will foster South–South learning and align our work with Africa’s development agendas, ensuring that our efforts are relevant and effective in a changing landscape.”
Deputy Representative, Liv Elin Indreiten, underscored the importance of long-term, integrated efforts, stating, “Our journey has been rooted in strengthening health, education, child protection, water, sanitation, hygiene, and social protection systems — all driven by partnerships that place children at the heart of Sierra Leone’s development.”
She highlighted the power of collaboration, saying, “Effective promotion of child rights requires collective action. We are supporting a global program to end child marriage and reinforcing education as a protective factor against violence.”
Indreiten also spoke about UNICEF’s initiatives to prevent violence in schools, mentioning programs such as school clubs that promote safety and inclusion. She emphasized that “these efforts are crucial in creating protective environments where children can grow and flourish.”
Child Protection Specialist, David Lamin, praised UNICEF’s pivotal role in safeguarding children in Sierra Leone. “Our work on child protection has been vital, especially following the civil war,” he said. Lamin highlighted UNICEF’s child soldier demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration programs, noting, “We provided packages to help former child soldiers start their own businesses as masons, technicians, and entrepreneurs, supporting their transition from emergency to post-emergency situations.”
He also emphasized UNICEF’s role in strengthening the legal framework to protect children, citing support for the enactment of the Child Rights Act of 2007 and the establishment of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN). “These efforts ensure that children’s voices are heard and their rights are protected,” Lamin concluded.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey of rebuilding and growth, UNICEF remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the government, communities, and partners to ensure that every child can realize their full potential and live with dignity. The organization’s 40-year legacy stands as a testament to what sustained collaboration can achieve in transforming the lives of children across the nation.
